| Updated On - Aug 12, 2025
Master's in Physiotherapy in USA: Best Universities, Costs, Requirements & Scholarships
The USA healthcare system presents a dynamic and rewarding future for Physiotherapists. The journey to becoming a physiotherapist in USA now requires a Doctor Of Physical Therapy(DPT degree. However, Admissions to this program are quite competitive; students typically must present a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, and an IELTS score of 7.0. A minimum of 50 verified hours of physical therapy observation is required.
The projects in this field are expected to experience a 15% job growth between 2022 and 2032, offering a median annual salary of $97,720 ( INR 84.8 lakhs). To practice as a physical therapist in the USA, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain a state license. This field is expanding rapidly, offering security and opportunities to new graduates.
- Top Universities for MS in Physiotherapy in the USA
- Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy in USA
- Master’s in Neuro Physiotherapy in USA
- M.S. in Physiotherapy in USA Pathway to Admissions
- Tuition and Living Costs
- Cost of Living In USA
- Scholarships for Master’s in Physiotherapy in USA
- Top Recruiters to work with after an M.S. In Physiotherapy
- Career Opportunities after M.S. in Physiotherapy in US
- Master's in Physiotherapy in USA: Return on Investment
- FAQs
Top Universities for MS in Physiotherapy in the USA
Choosing the right University is the crucial step. The following institutions are consistently recognised by the U.S. News & World Report (2025 Rankings for Physical Therapy) for various reasons.
| QS Global Rank (2025) | University | Program | Application Deadline (2025) | Annual Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #50 | Northwestern University | Doctor of Physical Therapy | August 1, 2025 | $54,720 | ₹45.4 Lakh |
| #61 | Duke University | Doctor of Physical Therapy | October 15, 2025 | $41,000 | ₹34.0 Lakh |
| #125 | University of Southern California | Doctor of Physical Therapy | October 2025 | $81,181 | ₹67.3 Lakh |
| #176 | Washington University in St. Louis | Doctor of Physical Therapy | February 1, 2026 | $23,606 | ₹19.6 Lakh |
| #196 | Emory University | Doctor of Physical Therapy | November 15, 2025 | $28,202 | ₹23.4 Lakh |
| #275 | University of Pittsburgh | MS in Physical Therapy | April 1, 2026 | $34,150 | ₹28.3 Lakh |
| #530 | University of Iowa | Doctor of Physical Therapy | September 15, 2025 | $36,106 | ₹29.9 Lakh |
| #553 | University of Delaware | Doctor of Physical Therapy | August 15, 2025 | $31,500 | ₹26.1 Lakh |
| #601 | Creighton University | Doctor of Physical Therapy | June 15, 2026 | $37,008 | ₹30.7 Lakh |
Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy in USA
This specialisation focuses on treating and preventing injuries in athletics. Sports PTs work with professional teams, university athletic departments, and specialized clinics.
| University | Program | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Master of Science in Sports Physiotherapy (MSSPT) | 2 years | Highly ranked, clinical placements with professional sports teams |
| A.T. Still University | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a concentration in Sports Physical Therapy | 3 years full-time / 3.5 years part-time | Evidence-based practice integrates sports performance concepts |
| Ohio State University | Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) | 2 years | Highly ranked, research and clinical experiences with varsity athletes |
Master’s in Neuro Physiotherapy in USA
This field majorly equips the students to help patients with neurological conditions like stroke, spinal cord injuries.
| University | Program | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a concentration in Neurological Rehabilitation | 3 years | Highly ranked, clinical placements in specialized neurological settings |
| University of Pittsburgh | Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) with specialization in Neurologic Rehabilitation | 2 years | Highly ranked, specialization through elective courses and clinical experiences |
| Emory University | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a focus on Neurological Rehabilitation | 3 years | Clinical experiences in stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions |
M.S. in Physiotherapy in USA Pathway to Admissions
Getting admission to a DPT Program in USA is competitive. Most universities use the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) for a streamlined process. To get admission following are the basic requirements:
- Bachelor’s GPA minimum 3.0/4.0
- Required science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, etc.) with a "C" grade or better.
- For International students, English Proficiency test scores:
TOEFL iBT-100, or IELTS-7.0
- A strong SOP and LOR
- Academic Transcripts
- GRE for some Institutions
Tuition and Living Costs in USA
Annual tuition fee for DPT programs ranges from $22,000 to $85,000 (INR 18.26 Lakhs – 70.55 Lakhs) per year. The annual living costs for international students in the USA are around $31,000-$42,000 (INR 25.73 Lakhs – 34.86 Lakhs) and upwards, including rent. The living cost also depends on one’s preferences and lifestyle.
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Washington University | 19.71 Lakh |
| University of Delaware | 26.30 Lakh |
| University of Iowa | 30.15 Lakh |
| Emory University | 23.55 Lakh |
| Northwestern University | 45.69 Lakh |
| Duke University | 32.24 Lakh |
| University of Southern California | 67.79 Lakh |
| Creighton University | 30.90 Lakh |
| University of Pittsburgh | 28.51 Lakh |
Cost of Living In USA
USA is a popular study destination among international students because of its flexible education system, vibrant campus life, academic excellence, cultural diversity, and availability of numerous job opportunities. The estimated cost of living in USA for international students is around USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year(INR 8.6L to 21.7L). This covers Accommodation, Utilities, food and Groceries, transportation, and books and supplies.
| Expense Category | Average Cost (USD) | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Books and Study Material | $900 – $2,000 | 74,700 – 1.66 Lakhs |
| Travel | $300 – $700 | 24,900 – 58,100 |
| Accommodation | $9,800 – $11,100 | 8.13 Lakhs –9.21 Lakhs |
| Electricity | $100 – $150 | 8,300 – 12,450 per month |
| Total Living Expenses | $10,000 – $25,000 | 8.6 Lakhs – 21.7 Lakhs |
Also Check: Cost of Living in USA for International Students
Scholarships for Master’s in Physiotherapy in USA
Studying in USA for international students is expensive. Many universities offer their aid, and several external organizations provide financial support.
| Scholarship | Awarding Agency | Eligibility Highlights | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowship | AAUW | Non-American women with a U.S. bachelor's equivalent degree | $20,000 |
| Quad Fellowship | IIE | Citizens of Australia, India, Japan, or USA; enrolled in STEM/clinical healthcare, strong academic record | One-time $50,000 + $25,000 for study-related costs |
| Alpha Kappa Alpha EAF Scholarship | University of Chicago | Full-time student, minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrated community service | Varies; supports tuition and transport |
| F.A. Davis Scholarship | F.A. Davis | Enrolled in a DPT program in the U.S. or Canada for the upcoming year; minimum 3.0 GPA | 3 awards of $1,000 each |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Fulbright | Strong academic profile; for graduate students and young professionals studying or researching in the U.S. | Fully funded |
Top Recruiters to work with after an M.S. In Physiotherapy in USA
Here is a list of the top 10 recruiters you can work with after an MS in Physiotherapy:
- Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
- Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
- SportsMed Physical Therapy
- Therapy 2000
- ProActive Physical Therapy (AZ)
- Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness
- CoreMedical Group
- WSi Healthcare Personnel
- RiverKids Pediatric Home Health
- Movement For Life
Career Opportunities after M.S. in Physiotherapy in US
The scope of Physiotherapy in US is immense. After completing graduation from physiotherapy courses from the USA, you can get employment in various public and private hospitals, home healthcare services, nursing, and physician offices. The average salary of a physical therapist in the USA ranges between 60,000 USD to 155,000 USD per annum (INR 52.1L to 1.3Cr).
To get a better understanding of the job roles, the following are the details along with the average salary offered.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | $91,010 | 75.5 Lakhs |
| Research Assistant | $62,286 | 51.7 Lakhs |
| Sports Physio Rehabilitator | $78,614 | 65.2 Lakhs |
| Osteopath | $83,675 | 69.4 Lakhs |
| Rehabilitation Director | $84,041 | 69.7 Lakhs |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $57K–$79K | 47.3–65.6 Lakhs |
| PT Technician | $38K–$55K | 31.5–45.6 Lakhs |
| Clinic Director/Phys. Therapist | $78K–$107K | 64.7–88.8 Lakhs |
| Certified Athletic Trainer | $48K–$66K | 39.8–54.8 Lakhs |
| Occupational Therapist | $81K–$108K | 67.2–89.6 Lakhs |
Master's in Physiotherapy in USA: Return on Investment
Pursuing a Master's in Physiotherapy (or related fields like DPT or MSAT) in the United States is a significant investment, especially for international students. However, the return on investment (ROI) can be quite favorable due to the strong demand for physiotherapists and related healthcare professionals in the U.S.
| University | Annual Tuition Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington University | 23,606 | 19.59 Lakhs | 78,928 | 65.51 Lakhs |
| University of Delaware | 31,500 | 26.15 Lakhs | 75,632 | 62.77 Lakhs |
| University of Iowa | 36,106 | 29.97 Lakhs | 76,127 | 63.18 Lakhs |
| Emory University | 28,202 | 23.41 Lakhs | 86,624 | 71.89 Lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 54,720 | 45.42 Lakhs | 66,278 | 54.01 Lakhs |
| Duke University | 41,000 | 34.03 Lakhs | 83,395 | 69.22 Lakhs |
| University of Southern California | 81,181 | 67.38 Lakhs | 86,123 | 71.48 Lakhs |
| Creighton University | 37,008 | 30.72 Lakhs | 77,673 | 64.47 Lakhs |
| University of Pittsburgh | 34,150 | 28.34 Lakhs | 76,994 | 63.91 Lakhs |
Doing an MS in Physiotherapy in the USA will boost your career prospects considerably while providing cutting-edge global knowledge and skills. The path to becoming a Physiotherapist in USA is challenging yet very rewarding. M.S. in Physiotherapy opens up a lot of opportunities in a high-growth profession. With demand increasing year by year, you can position yourself for a successful and fulfilling career.
FAQs
Ques: What are the top 3 industries that employ physical therapists?
Ans: The top 3 industries for physical therapists are General Medical and Surgical Hospitals,
Home Health Care Services and Nursing Care Facilities.
Ques: Which branch of physiotherapy has more scope?
Ans: The scope of different branches of physiotherapy can vary based on demand and evolving healthcare needs. Some branches with significant scope include:
Orthopedic Physiotherapy: Focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues.
Neurological Physiotherapy involves the rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders.
Sports Physiotherapy involves the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries and improving athletic performance.
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